Registration: WKY852K
Chassis: CS35LD24647438148
Odometer: 70,020
Transmission: Manual
MOT: April 2025

• South African built car
• Imported in 1977 by original owner
• Older restoration
• Upgraded 5-speed gearbox
• In original specification
• Advisory-free MOT until April 2025

The Mk1 Ford Capri 3000, introduced in 1969, was an attempt to meld muscle cars with a more European scale. It was born out of Ford's desire to offer an affordable yet sporty coupe to rival the success of the Mustang. With its distinctive long bonnet and short rear deck, the Capri quickly became an icon of the era. The 3.0-litre “Essex” V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Zephyr, gave it impressive performance for its time. Throughout its production, which lasted until 1974, the Capri underwent several updates, including engine enhancements and cosmetic changes, solidifying its place in the hearts of enthusiasts as a symbol of 1970s motoring culture.

We are delighted to offer this 1972 Ford Capri 3000 GT XL in Amber Gold with black vinyl interior. This lovely example was first sold in South Africa and, although the V5C declares it as first registered in 1972, the small amount of South African paperwork that comes with the car suggests it may date back to 1971. It was imported into the UK in 1977 by the original owner, a Mr Thompson, who appears to have kept it until around 2007. At some point he upgraded the original 4-speed manual to a 5-speed box, a very sensible upgrade for anyone wishing to travel at motorway speeds, and added a Constant Velocity Jointed Trans Shaft. Other than this the car seems very original in its specification. It seems to have undergone some restoration in the mid-Nineties and there is a nice bundle of invoices showing work and parts during this period. The invoices continue after the Capri changed hands and plenty has been spent keeping it looking good.

From the outside, the Amber Gold paint with black vinyl roof and deep-dish Rostyle wheels give the Capri a striking period look, embellished with lovely little details like the driving lights with chequered flag covers. There are a few touch ups here and there and very gentle patina to some of the chrome but the overall presentation is that of an older restoration that is standing up well. The interior is possibly even better with good plastics and nice wood effect trim, with everything looking very fresh. The vinyl seats appear free from any obvious rips or tears and the headlining isn’t sagging. It seems pleasingly free of modifications save for a very period-looking speaker in the dash. The stereo has been replaced with a suitable Radiomobile item, purchased new in 2008 which doesn’t look out of place. Under the bonnet the engine is lovely and clean and worthy of showing off at meets and shows.

The car comes with V5C, 2 sets of keys, bundle of invoices for work and parts, current and past MOTs, stamped Customs & Excise import form, old Hire Purchase Agreement from South Africa and a period Capri brochure. There is also a copy of Classic Ford from January 2007 where this very Capri was used to illustrate the Mk1 Capri 3000 buyer’s guide.

It says a lot about a car if an owner is prepared to ship it halfway around the globe when he relocates. The fact that this guy kept hold of it for almost three decades after it landed in the UK, shows the deep affection he obviously had for it. Setting eyes on it now and hearing that Essex V6 fire up, it’s not hard to understand why. Why not come and see the car for yourself at our purpose-built facility in Runcorn and see what we mean?